King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 9:24 Mean?

1 Corinthians 9:24 in the King James Version says “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all , but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all , but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”

1 Corinthians 9:24 · KJV

Context

22

To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

23

And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

24

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all , but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

25

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

26

I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Paul shifts to athletic metaphors drawn from the Isthmian Games held near Corinth every two years. Greek stadion (στάδιον, "race, running track") was a footrace of about 200 yards. All runners compete, but only one wins the victor's crown. Paul is not teaching salvation by works or competition among believers—he is emphasizing earnestness, focus, and self-discipline.

So run, that ye may obtain. The imperative "run" (Greek trechō, τρέχω) calls for purposeful effort. The Christian life is not passive but active, not aimless wandering but directed pursuit. Paul urges the Corinthians to run with the same intensity as athletes striving for a crown. The goal is not defeating other believers but obtaining the prize—faithfulness rewarded, not salvation earned. Paul uses athletic imagery to illustrate disciplined Christian living, not to introduce works-righteousness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Isthmian Games, held in honor of Poseidon near Corinth, were second only to the Olympics in prestige. Events included footraces, wrestling, boxing, and chariot racing. Winners received a pine wreath (later a celery crown). Corinthians were intimately familiar with athletic training, discipline, and competition—making Paul's metaphor immediately powerful. The city's identity was shaped by these games, held every two years.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul use athletic competition to illustrate Christian faithfulness without teaching works-salvation?
  2. What does it mean to "run" the Christian life with purpose and discipline?
  3. How does the Isthmian Games context make this metaphor especially vivid for Corinthian readers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
Οὐκ1 of 19

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

οἴδατε2 of 19

“Know ye”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι3 of 19

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οἱ4 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐν5 of 19

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

σταδίῳ6 of 19

“a race”

G4712

a stade or certain measure of distance; by implication, a stadium or race-course

τρέχετε7 of 19

“run”

G5143

which uses ????? <pronunciation strongs="drem'-o"/> (the base of g1408) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figurativ

πάντες8 of 19

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

μὲν9 of 19
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

τρέχετε10 of 19

“run”

G5143

which uses ????? <pronunciation strongs="drem'-o"/> (the base of g1408) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figurativ

εἷς11 of 19

“one”

G1520

one

δὲ12 of 19

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

λαμβάνει13 of 19

“receiveth”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τὸ14 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βραβεῖον15 of 19

“the prize”

G1017

an award (of arbitration), i.e., (specially) a prize in the public games

οὕτως16 of 19

“So”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

τρέχετε17 of 19

“run”

G5143

which uses ????? <pronunciation strongs="drem'-o"/> (the base of g1408) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figurativ

ἵνα18 of 19

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

καταλάβητε19 of 19

“ye may obtain”

G2638

to take eagerly, i.e., seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 9:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 9:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 3:14Hebrews 12:12 Timothy 4:7-8Revelation 3:11Philippians 2:161 Corinthians 9:26

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